Media Release

Hawaii County police detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a 24-year-old man wanted as a person of interest in connection with the investigation of a home invasion robbery in Hawaiian Acres on November 24.

Sven D. Cruz is last known to have resided in Puna. He is described as a local male, about 5-foot-5, about 185 pounds with a medium build, brown eyes and possibly a shaved head.

Police are also still seeking 22-year-old Darren Joao in connection with the case. Police have received unconfirmed reports that Joao was seen in Naalehu and Puna but he remains at large.

In the home invasion, several men entered the Hawaiian Acres home. Two brandished firearms and one wore a mask. They reportedly demanded property, and forced three men and a female minor into a vehicle belonging to one of the victims and drove them away. The girl was then removed from the car and sexually assaulted.

The girl was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. None of the other victims required immediate medical attention.

The suspects were last seen leaving in a truck and the stolen car, a white 2000 Chevrolet four-door sedan bearing Hawaii veteran’s license plates F317.

The suspects are described as local males in their 20s or 30s with tanned complexions.

Police ask anyone who knows the whereabouts of Cruz, Joao or both to call Detective Reed Mahuna at 961-2384 or the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.